Given had two loan spells at Swindon - the first coming midway through the relegation season of 1994/95, when he acted as backup to regular choice Fraser Digby, and the second at the beginning of the following season, when, with Digby injured, Given made five appearances. Obviously talented, Swindon boss Steve McMahon tried to extend his loan spell, but Blackburn refused - eventually allowing Given to go to Sunderland on a longer loan deal, whilst Swindon brought in Blackburn's fourth choice keeper, Frank Talia. Given went on to become the Republic of Ireland's first choice keeper, playing in the World Cup Finals in 2002.